What is MessagePro

MessagePro is an app that allows you to communicate via Text Message with Customers, Colleagues, etc. all using your familiar main Business Phone Number(s). Access the app from most popular web browsers, or your mobile device (coming soon). Load your list of Contacts, and get started communcating with your base in the most effective way.

Do I need to use MessagePro for my phone service?

Nope. MessagePro can act as your text message provider without affecting your existing phone service. However, exciting new products are coming in 2017 that you may wish to explore using MessagePro for all of your business communications.

Will I have to "port" my number or change voice carriers to use the MessagePro service landline text capability?

No. Most non-mobile carriers deliver and manage text and voice services separately. Typically, MessagePro registers as your text provider on your existing landline telephone number. You won't need to notify your voice carrier about your MessagePro service. You will continue to make and receive phone calls on your existing phone system at the same time as you are sending and receiving text messages via the MessagePro service. If your carrier does not support text registration, we will contact you. We can provide a separate telephone number for your text services.

What sender information do recipients see on my outgoing texts?

In short, your own name and telephone number.
The sender ID is the telephone number(s) you established at account sign-up. In most instances, we can use your existing telephone number with MessagePro service without changing your voice communications carrier. If MessagePro can't register as the text messaging provider for your existing phone number we will provide a new telephone number.

Will recipients need to download an app to see my texts?

No. An application is not necessary. Outgoing text messages appear as a new text message in the recipient's mobile phone text application. The recipient must subscribe to SMS/Text services with their mobile carrier.

Can I receive text replies to my landline number?

Yes. All replies will appear in your MessagePro inbox. Just log into MessagePro with your browser (Chrome and Firefox recommended) and select Messages.

Can employees send and receive messages from home and work?

Yes. Each employee can access the MessagePro web application from any location by using their unique username and secure password.

Do you support texting from toll free numbers?

Yes. We can text-enable your existing Toll Free Number, or provide you with a new one. Toll Free numbers have advantages in texting, especially with users sending higher volumes of messages.

Does the MessagePro service offer access to "short code" origination?

MessagePro does not currently offer the capability to originate messages via short codes.

Do you support auto-reply options?

Yes. Your MessagePro service includes auto-replies. Simply configure auto-reply responses during a set time-frame, such as when your business is closed, or turn auto-reply on or off at any time.

Does MessagePro service support SMS chat?

All group messages are sent to each recipient individually. MessagePro can send a single message to a group of contacts, but we don't currently support chat style messaging.

What is the difference between SMS and MMS messages? Can I send both?

Typically, SMS messages are text conversations between two parties. MMS messages can either be group text conversations, or messages that include media (for example, photos or video). MessagePro now supports MMS, and allows you to include images and photos with any message including .JPG .PNG .GIF and .BMP formats. Attaching other file types will be added soon.

How can I attach a picture to a text message?

Click the paperclip icon in the compose area of MessagePro and browse to a file you'd like to attach to the message. Then send your message as usual. Larger images may be resized in order to be accepted by mobile carriers.

How do you count messages?

MessagePro counts each message as one message regardless of type. For example, a group text message sent to 100 unique phone numbers counts as 100 text messages against your monthly allocation.

If I don't use all my message credits, can I roll them over to the next month?

No. Each product package includes a monthly message credit allowance. If you don't use your entire allowance by the end of the month, your credit for that month resets to zero.

How do I set up daily/weekly/monthly reports?

Click on the three horizontal bars in the upper left corner, then select Reports. To filter reports by user, location, or date range, click on the drop-downs at the top next to each filter type.

How can I upload contacts?

Click on the three horizontal bars in the upper left corner, then select Contacts. Click on the + icon at the bottom of the contacts list to get started.

Contact Creation & Upload options

Add individual Contacts at any time by clicking on "New Contact".

To upload contacts in bulk, export a CSV (Comma Separated Values) file from your contacts application. You may wish to "scrub" your CSV file prior to importing to eliminate any contacts or contact details you do not wish to import.

Click on the three horizontal bars in the upper left corner. Select Contacts and click on the Plus "+" button. After selecting your CSV file, map your file by identifying the key fields for MessagePro including First Name, Last Name, Mobile Number, and Email Address. Follow the steps to complete your import. Your Contacts will be available right away. MessagePro also features automatic Contact Sync with some medical software providers. Please contact Customer Support for assistance in setting up Contact Sync

Is there a limit on the number of contacts that may be stored?

MessagePro doesn't set any limits on the number of contacts you can store.

How can I edit/delete contacts after they are entered?

Click on the three horizontal bars in the upper left corner, then select Contacts. Search for the Contact you wish to edit or delete. Use the right-hand pane to make your changes.

Are my contact lists secure?

MessagePro's systems adhere to industry standards for commercial communications services, and are protected by commercial anti-virus and anti-hacking software and equipment. Data transferred between a customer's PC and MessagePro's servers is always encrypted using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). We promise not to use, disclose, or sell your contact data in any manner except to provide services to you or as required by law.

You are responsible for the security of the personal computers and networks you use to connect with MessagePro. We urge you to employ strong security measures and procedures to protect your Account IDs, passwords, business critical data, and, your customer's data.

Can I export contacts?

Not today. MessagePro may include this feature in an upcoming release of MessagePro.

Does MessagePro service provide an API interface?

Yes. We provide an API for integration partners, primarily for automatic Contact Sync. Please contact our Sales group if you are interested in becoming an integration partner.

Can MessagePro service interface with my Facebook account?

Not today. We are working on an interface to establish contacts through Facebook.

Do you filter for landline telephone numbers?

Yes. However, landline texting capabilities, number porting, and the reliance on other carriers and third party providers to "scrub" their database listings may result in misidentification of a landline or mobile number.

Which web browsers are supported by MessagePro service?

We recommend current versions of Chrome and Firefox, however, any current-version web browser will work with MessagePro.

How do I download the software for MessagePro service?

MessagePro service is currently provided via web portal, so a software download is not required. For use with mobile devices, users should download our MessagePro application available through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

What applications/services does MessagePro integrate with?

Medical Software providers including AdvancedMD. Please contact the Sales group if you are interested in becoming an integration partner.

Does MessagePro service provide global SMS coverage?

No. MessagePro currently provides text message delivery services only to destinations in the US and Canada.

What are the first steps?

Create a MessagePro account by clicking "Sign Up" in the banner above. Enter some information about your business, and your number(s) will be activated for texting. After creating your account, simply login to the app at https://office.messagepro.com/app/#.

How do I get my Contacts loaded into MessagePro?

Most users create a CSV (Comma Separated Values) file and import it using MessagePro's interface. Your existing Contacts application likely provides an export option for creating CSV files. Once you import your Contact list, you are ready to start texting.

MessagePro includes full-featured integration for AdvancedMD users that will automatically load your Contacts. Integration with additional software products is coming soon.

Can I access MessagePro service from my PC? Smart Phone? Tablet?

Yes! You can access MessagePro service from nearly any device with internet access. You don't need special equipment. However, not all graphical interfaces are optimized for viewing on all devices. For use with mobile devices, users should download our MessagePro application available through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Can I send a single SMS to more than one number at the same time?

Absolutely. You can send a text message to multiple parties through the MessagePro service interface. Each text is sent to recipients individually, and billed individually. Just type the message once, select the target recipients, and click send.

How quickly are my message delivered?

Typically messages are delivered within seconds as long as the intended recipient has mobile phone service with texting capabilities. Unfortunately, we can't guarantee delivery time or receipt. Network conditions outside MessagePro's control may affect delivery.

What are "keywords" and how are they used?

If you choose, your customers may request information about your business by texting a "keyword" to your MessagePro number. Customers then receive an automated response, fully customized for your business. You create the keywords and your customized responses. For example, you might configure the keyword "hours" to generate a reply back to the sender with your office hours for each day of the week.

How do I edit a keyword?

Navigate to the MessagePro main menu by selecting the three horizontal bars in the top-left corner of the web page, then, click on Keywords.

What does each delivery status mean?

MessagePro displays the result of any message you send. If your message was delivered and acknowledged by the receiving carrier, MessagePro displays "Success." If your message could not be delivered MessagePro displays "fail." NOTE: The most common causes of failure are Carrier communications issues or invalid destination numbers.

What are the most likely reasons for messages to fail?

Messages fail for a variety of reasons. Among the most common causes are:

• Texting landline numbers that do not have text capabilities
• Carriers blocking third party text messaging
• Restricted service (example: prepaid phone plan prohibiting text messages)
• Network congestion
• The receiving telephone number is in an inactive status or is invalid

If a message fails because of network congestion, does MessagePro try to re-send the message? If so, how long between retry attempts?

Messages are not retried; instead, MessagePro notifies you of all delivery issues.

Will I be charged for undelivered messages?

Yes, but on a limited basis. MessagePro will charge you for messages delivered to the carrier supporting the intended recipient. For a variety of reasons, not all messages that reach the terminating carrier are delivered to the intended recipient. MessagePro will not attempt delivery or charge you for submitted messages containing formatting or telephone number entry errors.

How many characters can I include in a text message?

Mobile carrier standards for a single text messages limit the number of characters to 160, including spaces. Customer messages longer than 160 characters are divided into sections which are delivered by the carrier via multiple text messages, each with a maximum length of 153* characters.

Here's how long messages are divided into multiple text messages for transmission:

• A 306-character message requires 2 text messages.
• A 459-character message requires 3 text messages.
• A 612-character message requires 4 text messages.
• A 765-character message requires 5 text messages.
• A 918-character message requires 6 text messages.

*Each section of a text message may contain only 153 characters to make room for user-data header (UDH) information. Mobile phones use UDH to link long messages together so they appear as a single SMS message in each recipient's inbox.

Can I send text messages containing emojis?

Yes, you can send and receive Emojis using MessagePro.

Does MessagePro support a customizable signature for my text messages?

Yes. Simply provide a signature for any outgoing message.

Can I save a draft message? How?

MessagePro does not currently support draft messages.

How do I create and use a message template?

MessagePro does not currently support message templates.

How long do you keep my messages?

Except as required by law, information we store in association with your MessagePro service, including text message detail, may be deleted 90 days after use.

How can I tell if someone has "opted out?"

A STOP icon displays next to the name of any contact who has opted out. MessagePro prevents users from sending stopped contacts future messages. Opted-out contacts may restore communication by replying with "unstop".

Are there any restrictions on message content?

You may not use MessagePro service to send unsolicited or unauthorized text messages except for specific healthcare and financial alerts. You may not use MessagePro for marketing solicitations. When you use MessagePro service(s), you agree to review and fully comply with all aspects of the TCPA and CAN-SPAM Acts, and to adhere to the Mobile Marketing Association's (MMA) and the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association's (CTIA) best practices principles.

You may not use our service in manner that would result in the transmission of undesirable, objectionable, or illegal content, including but not limited to material containing violence, physical threats, harassment, pornography, alcohol abuse, illegal drugs, viruses, harmful or malicious code, or other material prohibited by law or regulation.

Are there any restrictions on the time of day that messages can be delivered?

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) prohibits any solicitation text messages before 8 am and after 9 pm. local time.

The TCPA time restriction does not apply to non-solicitation messages. If you are using the service for non-solicitation messages containing information, alerts, or employee communications, you may turn off the time restriction only for informational/non-solicitation messages.

Can I remove the "Reply STOP to opt-out" portion of a text?

No. The "Reply STOP to opt-out" instruction is required by law and must appear in every message. However, when a contact establishes ongoing communication with you, they will no longer receive "opt-out" instructions.

What are the limits on the number of messages that may be sent?

During the service subscription process, the subscriber selects a service level that may contain a message delivery limitation. Service level limitations may include restrictions on the number of simultaneous messages, or the number of messages per minute, hour, day, or month.

So that we may operate our systems within commercial standards and verify compliance with applicable law and regulation, MessagePro reserves the right at our sole discretion to limit, without notice, the number of SMS and MMS messages generated by a subscriber, the maximum message size, or the type and size of content that may be attached to the message. We may impose and/or modify these limitations without prior notice. However we will not impose further restrictions without due diligence.

How can I check my usage?

Click on the three horizontal bars in the upper left corner for the MessagePro main menu, then select "Reports."

What is the charge for reply messages?

Inbound, Outbound, and automatic reply messages are counted as one message used from your plan.

Can I change to a different service package?

Yes. You can change service packages (up or down) at any time. However, changes may not be effective until your next billing period. Contact MessagePro support to make changes to your plan.

Can I cancel my account at any time?

Yes. Customer notices for non-renewal and/or termination of services should be sent to MessagePro support at support@messagepro.com. A customer's lack of use without notice of termination is not a valid means of closing an account.

What is your refund policy?

Subject to our Terms of Service, we offer MessagePro services without contract. We will not refund amounts prepaid for service. We will not prorate payments for partial service periods.

Is electronic billing required?

Yes. With the exception of enterprise accounts, MessagePro services payments must be made by credit card or ACH withdrawal as established during the service signup process. Banking information associated with customer accounts is stored on separate PCI-compliant secure servers in a separate location.

Will I still receive an invoice?

Yes. We send invoices for each billing period to the e-mail address given during the signup process.

What taxes are applied?

MessagePro services are hosted from servers in Hillsborough County, Florida. Applicable Florida Communications Services taxes apply.

We are a tax-exempt organization. How do I exempt tax charges?

If your organization is exempt from any taxes for any reason, you must provide our tax department at legal@proximiti.com your dated valid exemption certificates. After we receive and approve your certificate, MessagePro will exempt you from those taxes.

Exemption from taxes will not automatically exempt a Customer from regulatory fees such as universal service charges.

What are the regulatory fees for MessagePro service?

MessagePro applies Federal Universal Service Fund (USF) charges for the features of MessagePro service directly associated with the delivery of text messages, in accordance with the "safe harbor" procedures of the Federal Communications Commission.

Does MessagePro support STOP and UNSUBSCRIBE requests?

Yes. A message recipient who replies with STOP or UNSUBSCRIBE is automatically blocked from receiving future messages from your MessagePro account. Recipients can Opt-In again by sending "unstop".

Is MessagePro service linked to public "Do Not Call" lists?

No. Since MessagePro's service is designed to be used only when a subscriber has given recipient authorization to enable text messagaing contact, MessagePro service is not linked to state or national "Do Not Call" list databases.

Is MessagePro's service HIPAA compliant?

The network and operating procedures MessagePro uses to provide MessagePro services are compliant with HIPAA rules applicable to communications services. However, the subscriber bears all responsibility for decisions related to message content compliance with HIPAA.

Will MessagePro execute a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) for the provision of MessagePro service?

Yes. If requested, MessagePro will execute its standard BAA for the provision of MessagePro service. MessagePro cannot consider individualized BAAs submitted by subscribers.

Can I send protected health information (PHI) via the MessagePro service?

To ensure HIPAA compliance, PHI should not be directly embedded within a text message in a manner that could be accessed by someone other than the patient or their designated caregiver. However, you may use MessagePro service to enable communications protective of PHI. For instance, you may use the service to send a text message with a link to a HIPAA-compliant system, or a notice to check your system for an update.